Ciara O' Sullivan Play Therapist

15/08/2021

A helicopter parent hovers overhead and swoops in to save the day whereas a lifeguard parent stands by, encouraging their child to take risks and only jumps in when the child is in over her head and…

04/05/2020

05/09/2019

This is a really interesting read about the idea of visuals and reward charts in a classroom. While these visuals tend to get quicker results one does have to ask at what cost? For young children this can have a detrimental impact on their emotional states. Depending on how young they are these children may not even be able to control some of these behaviours yet. It can create fear and anxiety in some children while in others in can actually cause them to seek attention through negative behaviour which they see from other children. In many cases those who utilise this type of behaviour management are over worked and unsupported in there task to find an adequate behavioural management for their room. More training and support along with more help within the classrooms are required.

Kindergarteners are the newest bunch of students to come face to face with clip charts, visual charts that track their behavioral progress. The result? Embarrassment and anxiety around learning.

28/08/2019

They need to learn to push through, but parents can help.

28/08/2019

Whether starting school for the first time or simply returning after the holidays it can be a very stressful experience for some children so please be mindful, be patient and listen. For all enquiries Please contact Ciara O’ Sullivan Play Therapist on 0879374697

Hard to believe all 5 of my gang are heading off to school today - one is starting Junior Infants and two starting preschool - the excitement!
I like these simple tips for helping with school-related separation anxiety:
Have a goodbye ritual.
Read picture books about it and tell positive stories from when you were in school.
Have a calm morning routine.
Show your own excitement.
Accept your child’s feelings, whatever they are.
Have a positive goodbye.

24/04/2019

19/01/2019

Really interesting article about building resilient children for the future.

Exposure to normal stresses is vital for children’s future wellbeing, say academics Jonathan Haidt and Pamela Paresky

07/11/2018

This the most beautiful clip of childhood innocence and true empathy.......❤️

13/10/2018

Anxiety is perhaps one of the more difficult things to figure out in a young child. Too often we are quick to say “they’re being dramatic”, “it’s all for attention”, “it will pass”. Unfortunately for some children this anxiety they feel can be debilitating and can cause extreme stress. The below article provides good examples of how normal anxiety and severe anxiety look.

If uncontrollable thoughts and fears are taking over your child’s—and your family’s—life, it’s time to get help for your anxious child.

10/10/2018

Here are five to focus on building in your kiddo.